Sony have deemed Europe as a ‘high-priority territory’ in the next generation console race against Microsoft, and so according to rumor we’ll not see the Playstation 4 launching in the UK and Europe as a whole in 2014, as many feared.

About three or four days ago, there was news concerning Sony not being able to put out as many Playstation 4’s as they’d first predicted. Since Sony had previously been somewhat cagey on the release date of the Playstation 4 in Europe, many assumed that the EU would be once again on the receiving end of the short stick from Sony. Not so however, state sources who’ve been speaking to CVG.

An unnamed insider who is involved in Sony’s business strategy has highlighted that they expect Microsoft to be aggressive with their advances in Europe. The fight for lead over the next generation market is on for sure.

Europe has responded well to both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. 8 Million Xbox 360’s were sold in the UK alone, while Sony managed a still respectful 5 million. Sony obviously do not want to leave a territory ‘undefended’ as it were, a market ripe for the plucking if they do not have a product that is able to compete with a strong next generation Xbox.

The Playstation brand of course has always dominated in Japan, soundly beating on the Xbox with a stick – but that doesn’t mean it will stay like that. It’s unlikely that Xbox will gain huge ground in the land of the rising Sun, but even if not it would be foolish for Sony to rely on that and leave the EU without a Playstation 4 release until after Christmas.

Microsoft are certainly making a play for Europe judging by comments from Phil Harrison “At the time, Microsoft said Harrison “will not only lead the Microsoft Studios European organisation directly, but will also influence the broader performance of IEB’s European business through strategic partnerships and by bringing culturally relevant entertainment experiences to Microsoft platforms, now and in the future.”

So it would seem that Microsoft are readying their battle plan, and according to an insider at CVG Sony and the Playstation brand are “prepared to do whatever it takes” to ensure there isn’t a PS4 delay across Europe.

That’s all great and all – but according to previous rumors – Sony haven’t even started to ship PS4’s yet. So if there is a shortage, who will be the ones suffering? Japan – astoundingly. Apparently, Sony believe that Japan is a safe region and therefore would rather battle in the USA and Europe where they are much more likely to lose the war.

It’s a safe bet to know that no console can survive in just one region, and if the strategy is true it would certainly be a smart and bold move. It would be quite amusing if Microsoft managed to take advantage of the shortage of Japan though, eh? However unlikely that would be.

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